A Filipina based in Dubai was left frustrated after her e-scooter went missing near a Dubai Metro station, despite taking precautions to secure it. The incident occurred on Monday, September 9, 2024, when Maricris Analista discovered that her scooter, which she had locked outside the Onpassive Metro Station parking area, had disappeared.
“I put two locks on my scooter, but the staff working inside the metro had warned me that it might not be safe. They said there had been thefts in the area a few months ago,” Maricris shared with The Global Filipino Magazine. “I took the risk because there was no other option. I park it there every day.”
Maricris, a 41-year-old housekeeper working in Umm Suqeim 2, relied on her e-scooter for her daily commute, traveling from her workplace to her residence in Al Rigga. However, on Monday morning, her routine was disrupted. “Saturday, September 7, was the last day I parked my scooter because Sunday is my day off. When I came back on Monday, my scooter was gone. There was no one to ask or report to about my missing scooter.”
Although disheartened, Maricris remains hopeful. “I feel sad, but I try to stay positive. Soon, the weather will change, and I can walk to work slowly.”
She also urged her fellow e-scooter users to be cautious. “Sa mga kababayan ko na nawalan din ng scooter, nakakadismaya kasi sa Dubai walang magawa ang mga awtoridad tungkol dito. Pero ang higpit nila pagdating sa pagsusuot ng safety vest.” (To my fellow Filipinos who have also lost their scooters, it’s disappointing that the authorities in Dubai aren’t doing anything about this. But they are strict when it comes to wearing safety vests.)
Her final message to scooter users was a call for extra caution: “Doble ingat na lang po tayo sa pag park. Maraming kawatan ang nakaabang sa paligid.” (Be extra careful when parking. There are many thieves waiting around.)
Maricris’ experience highlights the growing challenges e-scooter users face in Dubai, as communities like Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) have implemented bans on e-scooters due to safety concerns. Public transport hubs, such as metro stations, have also restricted the use of e-scooters due to issues like fire hazards and theft, leaving riders with fewer options for safe parking.